Seat dropper: first impressions

I just installed a seat dropper on my bike. I had been told by several friends that I should get one. At first I was a little put off by the price. However, after hours of research I decided to pull the trigger and buy one. Once installed I took my bike to south mountain to try it out. The trail I rode was Mormon/national. I rode the fire road with the seat post fully extended. At the end of the fireroad, I lowered the seat for the initial drop into the creek bed. After making the short climb out of the creek bed, I hit the button and my seat was fully extended once again. This may not seem like a very big deal, but at that moment I was absolutely positive that I had made the right decision to purchase the seat dropper. My only regret is that I did not buy one sooner. Being able to climb with a seat that is fully extended, and then lower it to any position necessary to traverse the terrain, is an awesome experience. This became very apparent on the lower section of National. Being able to ride the technical features with the seat lowered, and then climb up the remainder of the hill, made the ride very enjoyable. If you have not yet tried a seat dropper, I highly recommend one. There are several models available. All have good features as well as limitations. Needless to say I'm pretty stoked.

+1 on droppers being one of the biggest impact pieces to come along for quite a while.. A dropper post isnt a "should i or shouldnt it" item any longer.. Its a for sure item on every bike ill forever have..

I got one 2 years ago almost now.....hands down the best money I've ever spent on my bike for our terrain. Get a remote option. I was hesitant to put stuff on my bars but it just works. Fiddling with an under-seat lever is no match for keeping your hands on the bars when needed.

To Eazy-E. IIRC the 900 is a set-back post where the I950 is a straight post. That's the only thing to consider as far as I know. I have the I950r, did not want a set-back.

These things ROCK for SoMo type riding... a lot of quick ups and downs. Heck, I think I use my dropper more than my shifter sometimes. The only caveat is that when you have to ride without one you feel like a complete newb. It's like cheating

I got one 2 years ago almost now.....hands down the best money I've ever spent on my bike for our terrain. Get a remote option. I was hesitant to put stuff on my bars but it just works. Fiddling with an under-seat lever is no match for keeping your hands on the bars when needed.

To Eazy-E. IIRC the 900 is a set-back post where the I950 is a straight post. That's the only thing to consider as far as I know. I have the I950r, did not want a set-back.

These things ROCK for SoMo type riding... a lot of quick ups and downs. Heck, I think I use my dropper more than my shifter sometimes. The only caveat is that when you have to ride without one you feel like a complete newb. It's like cheating

Good looking out. I'm probably going to go with the i950. Of course, it'll have a remote. I've seen them some places for sub $200. It's just money, right?

I'm dangerously close to ordering a Kind Shock i900. PricePoint has them for $220. Any reason not to?

Nope.

Originally Posted by 5bravobravo

If it has no remote, it is worthless.

Yep.

And, this also deserves a mention... the Kind Shock remotes are designed to be one half of your lock-on grips. This puts the lever as close to your thumb as possible. I just whittled around on a buddy's bike with a Reverb on it this weekend while waiting for the shuttle vehicles. I REALLY did not like having to reach for the lever. With the KS it's easier than shifting.

And, hands down, the best money you will spend on your bike if you do any technical riding.

I picked up a Specialized Comand Post in April. Kept putting off getting one because of the cost. Now I can't seem to live without it. Dropper post and tubeless tires are the best two upgrades I've done.

also, i think its worth noting the insanely good customer service that KS has. the cartridge in mine **** the bed after a couple months of sedona riding this winter (constant use)... lost about an inch on the extension (thats what she said). talked to them on the phone & via email... sent it in and had it back in less than a week.

then i stripped the teeth on the seat angle adjustment... likely because i didnt line it up properly and then cranked it down and it eventually slipped. happened a few times and stripped the hell out of the teeth... mostly my fault although i do think its a shitty design, though. once again... talked to ron and then sent it in. Again, it was back within a week, free of charge. impressive to say the least.

no problems since but they do need to work on that angle adjustment, imo.

the remote is a must have... Its so nice not to have to take my hands off the grips to adjust the seat up or down..

One of the things i like about the ks lev that i just got is the attachment point for the hose is on a ring at the bottom of the post-- so the hose isnt moving up and down with the seat.. It stays in place.. Also keeps the hose away from you and makes it less likly to get caught by a branch or something like that and ripped out.. I really liked that feature.. Plus the remote seems to be more robust then the reverb i used to have..

It's a must have for some people, I like my lever under the seat, KISS....less stuff to worry about, maintain, fail, etc. I guess I am in the minority, and worthless. I am sure I would be a better rider if I had a remote, being mediocre is ok with me.

It's a must have for some people, I like my lever under the seat, KISS....less stuff to worry about, maintain, fail, etc. I guess I am in the minority, and worthless. I am sure I would be a better rider if I had a remote, being mediocre is ok with me.

Oh don't poo poo on yourself I know you're just being facetious but it really just comes down to where you ride. If I'm not mistaken you are in Flag. Sure, plenty of opportunity for using the dropper but you have longer sustained climbs and downs so reaching under the seat every so often to make an adjustment is probably no biggie and works out quite well. If you rode National or trails like it weekly you'd feel differently as those trails are a plethora of techie ups followed by techie downs. That's where quickly making the adjustment while keeping your hands on the bars comes in handy.

If you rode National or trails like it weekly you'd feel differently as those trails are a plethora of techie ups followed by techie downs. That's where quickly making the adjustment while keeping your hands on the bars comes in handy.

THIS.

With the trails around here when you need it down many times you aren't in the position to take your hands off the bars.

I use a water pack with a drink hose when I ride, gotta remove a hand to drink! You guys are funny!

Look, I respect your right to not use a remote but I never drink a half second prior to taking a nasty chunky down...I save that for the flats.

A remote is not mandatory but I know this. If I rode without a remote and had to reach for the lever it would hinder my comfort level quite a bit compared to with one while riding techie terrain. I'd also bet a lot of money if you had a remote rather than not, it would not deter from your riding in any way. In fact, it just might enhance the experience. Who knows As they say, you don't miss what you never had.

TWWNS.....so nice to keep it simple and not get into the expense of full sus and buying everything that comes along to put on your bike. I don't think the fun factor goes up by spending $$$$$$$$$$$ on a bike and add-ons , not to mention it's a lousy investment....but to each their own.

TWWNS.....so nice to keep it simple and not get into the expense of full sus and buying everything that comes along to put on your bike. I don't think the fun factor goes up by spending $$$$$$$$$$$ on a bike and add-ons , not to mention it's a lousy investment....but to each their own.

9 out of 10 people responding to this thread have an opposite opinion from yours. To each his own is correct, but for the majority it seems to be a winner. Maybe you just don't need or refuse to ever want one, idk??? You've never owned a bike with a suspension fork or a QR seatpost either I suppose.

For many folks mountain biking is a hobby and they have no problem justifying the expense associated with having a good, or better, time out on the trails.

Be happy with your ride but don't fault others because they can/choose to spend more than you do on their fun.

Shiite!, my tires cost 60 bucks a pop these days and the rear lasts 3 months or so. My KS cost $219 and I am going on three years now without a single issue other than cable adjustments. What's the better value?

Was flying down a pretty steep trail about 5 years ago and grabbed a little too much front brake and took off over the bars like superman. When I got up after landing on my head I had a severe break in my collar bone. 3 months of recovery later I was back on the bike. I have no doubt I needed to improve my riding skills and that is a priority. About this time I discovered the Gravity Dropper web site. Made sense to me that lowering one's center of gravity will help with stability and handling, especially on downhill runs. So I bought one of the original GD and on my first ride I was hooked. I still crash, and often. However, the addition of the seat dropper has greatly increased my enjoyment of this sport. Still have it and do this day believe it is the single best addition to my bike I could have purchased.

I HATE when we enforce laws already in existence by the federal gov't and people go all ape shiite about it. Guess you don't live in a southern border state so it's not your problem....just like in Washington. The only thing the 'Crat's over there know about illegal immigration is Rosie takes care of their kids and all is well. Heck, they don't even call them "illegals", they prefer "undocumented workers".

In what country can people there ILLEGALY march in protest in front of the Capitol Building and the only power the police have is crowd control "What a country!", as Doc would say. They almost have Carte Blanche access to school, medical services, drivers licenses, college scholarships. Here's hoping all that changes.

My Giant Trance came with the seat dropper. It's no lightweight device and I'm sure I could save something like the best part of a pound by swapping it over for a Thomson Masterpiece. I feel like climbs are slightly slower then they would otherwise be, but I know from data that I'm descending a lot faster and more confidently I might add. On balance, I think it's well worth it.

It was a freakin joke and I frankly did not expect anyone to be so sensitive and fragile.

Signed,

guy who lives in a southern border state too

I'll assume that means Texas or California. You guys never met an illegal you didn't love.

I've got issues with Sheriff Joe, but I firmly stand behind him on immigration. I really liked how the same day the SCOTUS ruling on 1070 came out, he basically said, "Screw them, status quo remains in my county." YES! Let the illegals go to Austin or San Diego, they sure aren't welcome in Maricopa County.

My Giant Trance came with the seat dropper. It's no lightweight device and I'm sure I could save something like the best part of a pound by swapping it over for a Thomson Masterpiece. I feel like climbs are slightly slower then they would otherwise be, but I know from data that I'm descending a lot faster and more confidently I might add. On balance, I think it's well worth it.

You nailed it Lucifuge - my thoughts exactly.....first ride this morning on a Gravity Dropper 4" and so far I agree with you...I was reluctant to add more weight (the Honzo's pretty heavy already) but it adds a fun and safety factor to your ride that's worth it for me, anyway...

On a side note for anyone interested in the Gravity Dropper it is now offered in a 31.6 diameter post (no shim needed) even though the website does not yet reflect this. You can specify this in the special instructions if buying directly from them...

Actually, there's nothing in AZ law that says you can only defend yourself with the same weapon as the criminal. I mean, what if I don't have a tire iron handy? The law says you may defend with a like amount of force. You can't take a fist to the jaw and shoot the assailant even though in many circumstances I would still sleep just fine if that's the way it goes down. That's escalation of force and will likely put you in jail. If you are attacked with a deadly weapon you may use (and SHOULD) a deadly weapon to defend yourself. Obviously, there's a little gray area in there but that's the general idea...

Actually, there's nothing in AZ law that says you can only defend yourself with the same weapon as the criminal. I mean, what if I don't have a tire iron handy? The law says you may defend with a like amount of force. You can't take a fist to the jaw and shoot the assailant even though in many circumstances I would still sleep just fine if that's the way it goes down. That's escalation of force and will likely put you in jail. If you are attacked with a deadly weapon you may use (and SHOULD) a deadly weapon to defend yourself. Obviously, there's a little gray area in there but that's the general idea...

Two guys on one, even if the two are unarmed, I would consider that a justified disparity of force.

I wouldn't have a problem with lethal force for a punch in the face. If it's serious, and you wind up on the ground, it's about to get a whole lot more serious. Look at Zimmerman, assuming you believe him. He was on the ground getting his head slammed on the concrete. Is it an escalation of force to shoot the guy doing it?

If somebody is going to punch you in the face, it's safe to assume they'll do it again. Might as well nip that in the bud while you can. Personally, I get around such ethical quandaries by not assaulting people and not starting fights.

Well, except that if you can get to the position of being able to use deadly force you can most likely get away and call authorities. I fully support using it if it's necessary, but just like the biker-truck scenario, you can often just LEAVE and no one has to get killed. Then notify authorities and have them take it. Killing people should be reserved for only the situations where there is no escape and no alternative. That seems to have gotten lost somewhere in our society, as we've gotten more selfish and self-centered.

"It's only when you stand over it, you know, when you physically stand over the bike, that then you say 'hey, I don't have much stand over height', you know"-T. Ellsworth

Well, except that if you can get to the position of being able to use deadly force you can most likely get away and call authorities. I fully support using it if it's necessary, but just like the biker-truck scenario, you can often just LEAVE and no one has to get killed. Then notify authorities and have them take it. Killing people should be reserved for only the situations where there is no escape and no alternative. That seems to have gotten lost somewhere in our society, as we've gotten more selfish and self-centered.

You're like a Californian, right? That explains a lot.

Look, that whole Zimmerman case shows how serious it is to pull out a gun and use it, even if the law is on your side. It's the real deal having to shoot somebody. Honestly, I truly and deeply hope I never have to do it. That said, I also hope I never "need" a seat belt or a fire extinguisher, but that doesn't mean I don't keep them around.

If you ask me, the general pussification of most Americans, people who share your views, is why society in general has declined. Used to be, if a man threatened you, you took care of it, immediately, most likely, permanently. Now it's run away and call the cops? The hell does that do, besides give a predator a chance to ruin somebody else's day, maybe forever? What, you took the moral high ground by letting yourself get raped instead of shoot the rapist? I'm glad you can feel smug in that fact. Personally, I don't live in a fantasy world. If somebody threatens your life, end theirs. No questions.

You know what else is a problem? People like you run the justice system. Rob, rape, plunder, and kill? You'll get the revolving door for a few times, some activist lawyer from Berkeley will be your public defender, or maybe do it pro bono because you're "underprivileged", you'll get a joke of a sentence from a jellyfish judge, and you'll be back on the block in three years because they need the bed for some 19 year old pulled over with an ounce of pot.

Take away the consequences for being a predator, and you'll suddenly have a lot more prey.

Look, that whole Zimmerman case shows how serious it is to pull out a gun and use it, even if the law is on your side. It's the real deal having to shoot somebody. Honestly, I truly and deeply hope I never have to do it. That said, I also hope I never "need" a seat belt or a fire extinguisher, but that doesn't mean I don't keep them around.

If you ask me, the general pussification of most Americans, people who share your views, is why society in general has declined. Used to be, if a man threatened you, you took care of it, immediately, most likely, permanently. Now it's run away and call the cops? The hell does that do, besides give a predator a chance to ruin somebody else's day, maybe forever? What, you took the moral high ground by letting yourself get raped instead of shoot the rapist? I'm glad you can feel smug in that fact. Personally, I don't live in a fantasy world. If somebody threatens your life, end theirs. No questions.

You know what else is a problem? People like you run the justice system. Rob, rape, plunder, and kill? You'll get the revolving door for a few times, some activist lawyer from Berkeley will be your public defender, or maybe do it pro bono because you're "underprivileged", you'll get a joke of a sentence from a jellyfish judge, and you'll be back on the block in three years because they need the bed for some 19 year old pulled over with an ounce of pot.

Take away the consequences for being a predator, and you'll suddenly have a lot more prey.

No, I'm an Alaskan. I just see a difference between defending yourself and pointlessly escalating violence. So now maybe you've offed a gang member and you'll see retaliation? Poor example of course, but you might end up having the opposite effect that you intend. Maybe you are teaching criminals to shoot first and not risk any kind of defense. Can you prove that killing someone that punches you prevents people from doing those kinds of things? Seems just shooting someone is the American way of doing it from your point of view. There's a difference between standing up to people and for what's right and just animal-instinct shooting them. And with your example of not having the cops show up, you must have missed where I said I support leathal force if it's necessary. I said it again just so you won't miss it this time. And calling the cops creates a paper record of arrests. It shows where the problems are and who the problem people are. The time that the guy survives being shot itd probably be nice to have a record that he's a known criminal, rather than someone just shot him because he was banging on the outside of my truck.

"It's only when you stand over it, you know, when you physically stand over the bike, that then you say 'hey, I don't have much stand over height', you know"-T. Ellsworth

And I would shoot in defense anybody that attacked me and had me fearing for my life, whether it was with fists, knife, or gun. If I honest to god felt my life was in danger then it is very unlikely that any jail time would ever result.

If I honest to god felt my life was in danger then it is very unlikely that any jail time would ever result.

And that's the key. If you can prove to a judge or jury you are in fear of your life then it's likely you're golden. Doesn't mean you won't spend a significant amount of time in jail during that time, tho.

Just curious how your Kronolog is holding up? I read a review where after a month of riding the clamping surface on the upper tube had worn smooth in a few spots (fully extended and fully dropped) to where the locking plates wouldn't hold the post in place anymore. Have you experienced this at all?

Just curious how your Kronolog is holding up? I read a review where after a month of riding the clamping surface on the upper tube had worn smooth in a few spots (fully extended and fully dropped) to where the locking plates wouldn't hold the post in place anymore. Have you experienced this at all?

I've only had mine for a few weeks, but so far so good. Two things to note with the Kron. 1. Make sure there is enough slack in the cable and the tension is not too tight at the handlebar switch. 2. Make sure the post has enough air pressure to accommodate your weight.

I read the same review you did, so I am extra careful to unweight the seat before I hit the switch to drop the seat. It took all of 1 ride to get into this habit and now I do it w/o thinking. This trick alone should prevent the stripping from ever occurring.

To be fair, I am not recommending the Kronolog. I do not have enough time with it to say if it is a trustworthy product or not. I hate the reviews of people who just bought a product and say its the best thing in the world. Yeah, it's great because you just spent a ton of money on something and now you have to justify that purchase to yourself.

There are a lot of good seat droppers. The Kronolog so far has worked out for me. I also know of 3 others, who I ride with, that have the Kron. Two have been happy, one had problems and had to send it back to CB twice. The one he has now is solid.